HATTIESBURG &045; Southern Miss coaches recruited Cole Mason as a fullback.

Mason spent the 2004 season as a redshirt, learning the nuances of being a fullback. Then, in spring practice, the coaching staff moved the 6-2, 232-pound Mason to tight end.

&uot;That was a bad move by us,&uot; Bower said. &uot;That was experimental &045; an experiment that went bad. He’s a true fullback. You give it a shot. Didn’t work.&uot;

Mason returned to fullback for the final week of spring practice, and he’s spent the last month battling junior Bobby Weakley for the starting job.

While Mason maintains he would have remained at tight end, he concedes he covets the smashmouth life of a fullback.

&uot;I wasn’t being selfish. I tried my hardest,&uot; said Mason, who helped lead Parrish (Ala.) to a state title during his senior season. &uot;The coaches, they said it really wasn’t my calling. I’ve felt more comfortable at fullback. I’ve always been in the backfield.&uot;

Mason’s return to fullback has also paid off for the Golden Eagles.

Senior Anthony Harris &045; the team’s leading rusher the last two seasons &045; was expected to start at fullback and also log time at tailback.

Harris, however, was dismissed from the team during the summer for an unspecified violation of team rules, leaving almost no experience at the position.

Weakley had just four carries for 5 yards in 2004, and he logged just four carries in 2003. Mason, meanwhile, sat out all of last season as a redshirt, and he will see his first action in Sunday’s season opener against Tulane.

&uot;We lost a guy with a lot of playing experience and a leader on the team,&uot; Southern Miss running backs coach Derrick Nix said. &uot;Basically what I told our guys when camp started is that it’s no different that a guy graduating. Somebody has to step up and perform. These guys wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have the ability to do that.&uot;

Mason has showcased his abilities as a blocker and short-yardage back during preseason drills.

&uot;Cole has done a great job of coming in and working hard,&uot; quarterback Dustin Almond said. &uot;He’s gotten a lot of reps this fall camp. We’re looking for big things from him.

&uot;He’s a big, physical back, and he’s not afraid to run anybody over. That’s what you look for in a fullback.&uot;

Weakley and Mason will both play extensively this season, but it’s unclear who will start the season opener next week. Weakley is the likely starter, based on nothing more than the fact that he’s played in 21 games and started five.

Mason said he will also play &uot;on every special team,&uot; a role he relishes.

&uot;I look at it as I may be able to get a touchdown or score a big lick,&uot; Mason said.